Oregon
Oregon: wide open areas and a gorgeous coast
Both activities and scenery abound in Oregon. Its stunning coastline can be sailed, its volcanic mountains can be hiked, its lakes can be paddled, or you can even hop in a buggy and head into its seemingly endless deserts. Look no further if you want world-class pinots, great food or craft beers, thrilling cycling, kayaking, or windsurfing excursions, or any other sport.
Great Outdoors of Oregon
You won’t get to see all of Oregon’s wonderful outdoors in your lifetime, which is one of its best features. Climb in the Willamette National Forest or along the craggy coast. Spend the night in the desert close to Steens Mountain or take in the Wallowa Mountains, also referred to as “Little Switzerland.” Hire a recreational vehicle from Cruise America and base yourself on a mountain lake in the Deschutes National Forest, in the stunning Umpqua National Forest, or the volcanic foothills of Mount Hood. The state parks in Oregon include excellent picnic spots in addition to yurt, teepee, rustic house, and RV site rentals.
Things to eat and drink
Food craftspeople in Oregon are in the vanguard of flavors and styles. Not to mention sea salt, ice cream, cheeses, and other regional specialties, the state makes a compelling argument for its 17 wine regions, microdistilleries, and upscale craft brewers. “Ever-expanding culinary utopia” is how the New York Times Magazine describes Oregon. National and international media often highlight Oregon’s chefs, restaurants, and suppliers; it’s not unusual to encounter these culinary artists in person. Don’t miss yearly food festivals including the worldwide gourmet celebration Feast Portland in September, the Oregon Cheese Festival in March, and the Oregon Truffle Festival in January.
Duty-free stores
With no sales tax, Oregon saves you between 5 and 10% on all of your purchases compared to most other US states. Locate your favorite brands at Nordstrom, Macy’s, H&M, and Apple. For unique Oregon gifts and items, visit “Made in Oregon” businesses. Discover sales at outlet malls in Troutdale, Woodburn, Seaside, Lincoln City, Bend, and Phoenix on brands like Adidas, Coach, Nike, and Gap. Look for unusual items in Bend, Hood River, Portland’s Pearl District, Nob Hill, and Hawthorne areas, as well as Oregon Coast towns.
Golf
Oregon golfers have difficulty in that there are about 200 public courses to select from. Toe off in sun-drenched wine country, practice your swing among stunning dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean or take in mountain views from one of thirty courses in Central Oregon’s High Desert. Not to be missed are Bandon Dunes, which was named Best Golf Course by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the site of Tiger Woods’ three consecutive US Amateur Championship victories.
Ancestral Native American
Native Americans have lived in Oregon for millennia even though Europeans arrived there only two hundred years ago. Information centers, casinos, and museums in Oregon offer information about native cultures both past and present. Meet the people of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton and take in displays and activities that showcase their customs in music, dance, art, language, dress, religion, and even cuisine. The Museum at Warm Springs honors the heritage of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. This museum offers tribal people the opportunity to exhibit their art, history, and culture in addition to housing one of the best national collections of Plateau Native American artifacts.